I went over to REI this afternoon and got one of these. Seems like it should work out pretty good, since it seals tight. Nice for riding around the playa or doing cartwheels or whatever. Damn, I didn't see they had mermaid ones, should've gotten one of those.

mudpuppy000 wrote:I went over to REI this afternoon and got one of these. Seems like it should work out pretty good, since it seals tight. Nice for riding around the playa or doing cartwheels or whatever. Damn, I didn't see they had mermaid ones, should've gotten one of those.

We have camelbak bottles for water. While we do have camelbaks packs, I prefer drinking from the bottle... and we use them all year. Mine is by the bad now, covered in BM stickers. Larry has the big one, he carries it on the truck with him all the time. He even has a monster insulated coozie cover for it. However, the plastic retains flavors, so they are water only for us. Getting the metal one might help, but I think it is the straw that is the problem.

You also have to clean the straw and nipple once a week or your drink will taste "swampy". Ick. Sugary drinks are right out.

For quick casual drinks in bars, they really aren't that great. Too big and too hard to rinse the straw assembly. A travel mug would work better. Yes, we have those too. And stainless steel wine goblets and collapsible shot glasses. Sigh. I'm a cup whore.

AntiM wrote:We have camelbak bottles for water. While we do have camelbaks packs, I prefer drinking from the bottle... and we use them all year. Mine is by the bad now, covered in BM stickers. Larry has the big one, he carries it on the truck with him all the time. He even has a monster insulated coozie cover for it. However, the plastic retains flavors, so they are water only for us. Getting the metal one might help, but I think it is the straw that is the problem.

You also have to clean the straw and nipple once a week or your drink will taste "swampy". Ick. Sugary drinks are right out.

For quick casual drinks in bars, they really aren't that great. Too big and too hard to rinse the straw assembly. A travel mug would work better. Yes, we have those too. And stainless steel wine goblets and collapsible shot glasses. Sigh. I'm a cup whore.

You know they work well without the straw, too, right? You just have to tip it back to drink like a normal sippy cup.

AntiM wrote:We have camelbak bottles for water. While we do have camelbaks packs, I prefer drinking from the bottle... and we use them all year... And stainless steel wine goblets and collapsible shot glasses. Sigh. I'm a cup whore.

Camelbak for water, steel bottle for electrolytes, steel travel mug for drinks and a collapsible shot glass which tends to make quite a bit of noise in my backpack.

Probably my fave shot glass ever was a camp several years ago at...Alchemy? Transformus? Giving away shots that came with a shot glass...they had trays of them. The shot glasses were empty film canisters taped to some string...loved it. DIY FTW.

C.f.M. wrote:Probably my fave shot glass ever was a camp several years ago at...Alchemy? Transformus? Giving away shots that came with a shot glass...they had trays of them. The shot glasses were empty film canisters taped to some string...loved it. DIY FTW.

BWA-HA-HA-HA!! Cute glass, but it's the "pearl necklace" that pushes it over the top. Hysterical!

For people using the handy-dandy Ludo mugs, how are you keeping playa out of the cup when not being actively used? That's my one reservation about a standard mug like that, especially one apparently designed to clip to the outside of your gear, exposed to the dust.

But the thing is, I suspect bar camps get tired of the endless 'takers' that have nothing to offer.

A kind word? A joke? A funny comment maybe? How about complimenting something inventive about the camp? ANYTHING!?

Too often it's like people just wander around with their beggar cups out in front of them.

Bar camps are there to have fun too. Let out your inner raconteur and things will be fine.

Also, if you DO carry along your own, you'll have much better luck if you walk into a bar with something in your cup that you are sipping on. Hang out and chat for a few while sipping your own drink. If you like it, simply drain your cup and place it down while you're talking.

I've never had friendly bar denizens fail to offer a refill.

<shrugs>

It's not just the camps that have to participate, ya know...

LoR

The fox provides for himself, but God provides for the lion - W. Blake (attribution corrected)

Lord Of Ruin wrote:Well, I get what people are saying about rude bars.

But the thing is, I suspect bar camps get tired of the endless 'takers' that have nothing to offer.

A kind word? A joke? A funny comment maybe? How about complimenting something inventive about the camp? ANYTHING!?

Too often it's like people just wander around with their beggar cups out in front of them.

Bar camps are there to have fun too. Let out your inner raconteur and things will be fine.

Also, if you DO carry along your own, you'll have much better luck if you walk into a bar with something in your cup that you are sipping on. Hang out and chat for a few while sipping your own drink. If you like it, simply drain your cup and place it down while you're talking.

Lord Of Ruin wrote:But the thing is, I suspect bar camps get tired of the endless 'takers' that have nothing to offer.

A kind word? A joke? A funny comment maybe? How about complimenting something inventive about the camp? ANYTHING!?

Too often it's like people just wander around with their beggar cups out in front of them. LoR

I doubt anyone in this forum is one of "those" people, but I've seen them. Our bar is a gift to participants - just like other gifting on the playa, there is no expectation of a gift in return, however I do have an expectation of gratitude, and it is my choice whether to give you the gift or not.

Whenever we go into bars, we sit down (or stand) and chat with the bartender until he or she offers a drink, most times it happens, sometimes it doesn't and that's fine with me. It just doesn't feel right to me to ask for a gift - I know that is what the bars are there for, but still, it goes against the whole premise.

I guess since I'm not a "taker," and I wouldn't hang out with that sort, I can't really relate to that angle.

And as a bartender (my regional puts a bar IN the effigy, for which I've been Bar Team Leader for two years ), though I kinda know the type. I just have no problem calling them out for being shitheads and making them awful drinks. I'm just really, really, REALLY lucky that my main burns are super awesome and not full of the bad element like BRC can be.

For people using the handy-dandy Ludo mugs, how are you keeping playa out of the cup when not being actively used?

I didn't. Don't really care. Give it a swipe with my finger if need be, otherwise I don't really worry about it.

I've tended bar each of my 5 Burns and I have always tried hard NOT to be one of those cooler than thou types who refuse to acknowledge someone's presence or serve only the smokin hot chicks. Actually, when I see someone who looks like they may not fit the current definition of "cool kid" (e.g. looks like me) I go outta my way to make sure they are refreshed.

I do HATE, however, the late in the week fratboy crowd and I loath the "you guys got any cups?" question.

After Burn # 2 I always bar hop with my own liquor supply, or make sure I'm with a hot chick or two

We've run a bar out there for many years. We are very friendly, have an amazing selection and skilled bartenders, and we are no barter. We serve everyone (old enough) and offer non alcoholic beverages as well. We supply some cups, but prefer that you bring your own vessel. However, I've seen other bars who are less than hospitable and even rude. I usually barage them with insults about how much better we are than them. So, if anyone is looking for THE BEST place, be sure to find The Livers End.

MissNev wrote:We've run a bar out there for many years. We are very friendly, have an amazing selection and skilled bartenders, and we are no barter. We serve everyone (old enough) and offer non alcoholic beverages as well. We supply some cups, but prefer that you bring your own vessel. However, I've seen other bars who are less than hospitable and even rude. I usually barage them with insults about how much better we are than them. So, if anyone is looking for THE BEST place, be sure to find The Livers End.

Enough of me getting down with my bad self.

I bring a supply of cups for visitors, however, the "rude" factor goes both ways. Its ridiculous to expect a bar to NOT have cups, so for those not familiar with the BYOC practice, I provide. And politely ask that they hold on to it, for their drunken safari.

I like the basic alladin 12 ounce travel mug... used to be in every seasonal area at grocery stores, and drug stores, with ads on them, plain... 4 dollars at the most, and I've found them at garage sales, gifted from friends who had them from convention stuff. closed handle, carabiner friendly.

now, ygmir will need to have his i.d. handy
and bring a sippy cup with a lid

But the thing is, I suspect bar camps get tired of the endless 'takers' that have nothing to offer.

In my experience as a bartender, the people you describe are very few. I wouldnâ€™t be surprised if they are outnumbered by rude bars. Personally, I consider a taker as a challenge. Itâ€™s pertinent, perhaps, that ours is a small, neighborhood bar.

Appreciation for our efforts is always nice. But on that flipside, I feel a little sad when people come up to the bar already reaching into their bags, or worse, feeling guilty because they have nothing to â€œgiftâ€